McHenry Votes Against Tuition Relief for Over 160,000 North Carolina Students

Daniel Johnson, a Congressional Candidate in North Carolina’s 10th District, criticized Rep. Patrick McHenry for voting against the College Opportunity and Affordability Act. McHenry was one of only 58 House members to vote against the bi-partisan bill that makes college more affordable for middle class and low-income families. The bill received the support of both Democrats and Republicans from North Carolina.

“This was a great opportunity to rise above partisan bickering and provide much-needed tuition relief for thousands of North Carolina families,” said Johnson. “But once again, the current representative chose party politics above the needs of his constituents.”

The bill would increase loans and Pell grants to North Carolina students and families by $351 million over five years. Over 160,000 North Carolina students would benefit from the bill’s $500 increase in each Pell grant.

“As the son of a public school teacher, I understand the crucial role education plays in the success of our communities,” said Johnson. “The economic re-vitalization of the 10th District depends on our young people receiving the training they need to compete in the global economy. And the rising cost of high education is keeping too many students from the education that they need to be successful.”

Over 92,000 North Carolina students take out need-based loans to attend four-year public colleges and universities. The typical North Carolina student on a need-based loan at a four year public university graduates with over $13,000 in debt. This bill would cut interest rates on student loans for a savings of $4,270 per North Carolina student over the life of their loan.

Each year 200,000 American students do not attend college because they cannot afford it, according to the Coalition of Higher Education Organizations.